Vehicle Hatch Assembly with Toggle Linkage and Helical Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle hatches are bulky and require multiple operators to position and secure, posing challenges in assembly and ventilation/escape functionality.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile hatch assembly with a removable dome, over-center toggle linkage mechanisms, and a latch assembly that includes a helical locking surface, allowing for easy attachment and secure sealing to the vehicle roof with minimal protrusion and single-operator operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hatches are used, then ventilation and emergency escape functionality are provided, but the hatches protrude significantly from the roof and require multiple operators for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The hatch assembly is divided into separate components including the dome, frame, linkage mechanisms, and latch assembly that can be manufactured independently and assembled together, allowing for easier handling and installation by a single operator
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge portion is positioned on the inner surface of the dome rather than the outer surface, and the linkage mechanisms are integrated within the frame structure, effectively reducing the external protrusion dimension while maintaining functional capability
2Length of moving object
If traditional hatches are used, then structural strength is maintained, but the vertical height protrusion is several inches
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanisms are nested within the frame structure, with the first linkage mechanism positioned inside the frame and the second linkage mechanism integrated with the frame, minimizing external protrusion while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The over-center toggle linkage mechanisms provide dynamic structural support that maintains strength in the closed position while allowing compact folding when open, enabling reduced vertical height without sacrificing structural capability
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional hatches are used, then secure sealing is achieved, but assembly requires multiple operators to position and secure
Solution Approach 1:
The over-center toggle linkage mechanisms automatically engage and lock the dome to the frame when closed, and the latch assembly with helical locking surface provides self-latching functionality, eliminating the need for multiple operators to manually secure the hatch while maintaining reliable sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanisms are pre-configured in the frame and the latch assembly is pre-positioned on the dome, so that when the dome is placed onto the frame, the sealing surfaces are already aligned and the latch is ready to engage, simplifying the assembly process to a single-operator task
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, easily installable, and securely sealing hatch assembly that minimizes vertical height and facilitates single-operator assembly, enhancing both ventilation and emergency escape capabilities while maintaining environmental sealing.
Implementation Method 1
The latch assembly rotatably couples to a lock wedge, which includes a helical locking surface. The lock wedge disengages from the latch keeper when the latch assembly is at a first position associated with a first limit of rotational travel, and engages the latch keeper to urge the latch keeper to a second position when the latch assembly rotates to a second, opposed limit of rotational travel.
Implementation Method 2
a removable dome (50) attached to a frame (20) including opposed first and second over-center toggle linkage mechanisms (30, 40) and a latch assembly (60)
Data Source
AI summary
A hatch assembly attachable to a roof of a vehicle includes a removable dome attached to a frame including opposed first and second linkage mechanisms and a latch assembly. The frame includes an annular sidewall section defining an aperture and an outwardly extending flange portion peripheral to the annular wall portion and includes a continuous upper peripheral surface. The dome has an outer planar surface covering the aperture and an inner surface including a hinge portion attached to the first linkage assembly. A latch assembly attaches to the inner surface of the dome on a side of the dome that is opposed to the hinge portion. The latch assembly rotatably couples to a lock wedge, which includes a helical locking surface.